Signification
Providing a recommendation
Contexte culturel
Greeks often give unsolicited advice as a way of showing they care. It is not usually seen as rude, but as a sign of 'parea' (company/friendship). In Crete, advice is often given through 'mantinades' (rhyming poems). While they might not use the exact phrase 'έχω μια συμβουλή', the sentiment of sharing wisdom is central to their social gatherings. In Greek-American or Greek-Australian communities, this phrase is often 'Gringlish-ified', but the core value of the 'Greek grandmother' (yiayia) giving advice remains a strong cultural trope. In modern Athenian offices, 'έχω μια συμβουλή' is being replaced by 'έχω ένα tip' in casual tech environments, reflecting the influence of English.
Soften it with 'μικρή'
Saying 'Έχω μια μικρή συμβουλή' makes you sound much more humble and less bossy.
Watch the gender
Never say 'ένα συμβουλή'. It's always 'μια' (feminine).
Signification
Providing a recommendation
Soften it with 'μικρή'
Saying 'Έχω μια μικρή συμβουλή' makes you sound much more humble and less bossy.
Watch the gender
Never say 'ένα συμβουλή'. It's always 'μια' (feminine).
Use 'Σου έχω'
Starting with 'Σου έχω...' (I have for you...) is the most natural way Greeks start this sentence in casual conversation.
Be ready for advice back
In Greece, giving advice often opens a long conversation where the other person will give you advice too!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Έχω ____ συμβουλή για σένα.
'Συμβουλή' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'μια'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to offer advice to a friend?
Choose the best option:
'Σου έχω μια συμβουλή' is the most idiomatic and grammatically correct way to address a friend.
Complete the dialogue.
Πέτρος: Δεν ξέρω πώς να μαγειρέψω αυτό το κρέας. Εσύ: _________ : βάλε λίγο λεμόνι.
The context shows you are providing a solution/tip, so 'Έχω μια συμβουλή' is correct.
Match the Greek phrase with its English meaning.
Match them up:
Direct translation exercise.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Advice
Practical
- • Μαγειρική
- • Τεχνολογία
Life
- • Σχέσεις
- • Υγεία
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΈχω ____ συμβουλή για σένα.
'Συμβουλή' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'μια'.
Choose the best option:
'Σου έχω μια συμβουλή' is the most idiomatic and grammatically correct way to address a friend.
Πέτρος: Δεν ξέρω πώς να μαγειρέψω αυτό το κρέας. Εσύ: _________ : βάλε λίγο λεμόνι.
The context shows you are providing a solution/tip, so 'Έχω μια συμβουλή' is correct.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct translation exercise.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! Unlike English, you can say 'μία συμβουλή' (one advice) or 'πολλές συμβουλές' (many advices).
Yes, but it's better to say 'Θα ήθελα να σας δώσω μια συμβουλή' or 'Μου επιτρέπετε μια συμβουλή;' to be more polite.
'Συμβουλή' is the proper Greek word. 'Tip' (τιπ) is used by younger people or in social media contexts.
You say 'Χρειάζομαι μια συμβουλή'.
Both are correct. 'Μία' is slightly more emphatic, 'μια' is more common in fast speech.
Yes, that is the formal/plural version of 'για σένα'.
Very! It's a core part of social interaction and showing interest in others.
It means 'friendly advice'. It's often used when you're about to say something a bit critical but want to remain friends.
Usually, yes. It implies a helpful suggestion, though it can be used sarcastically.
You say 'Ευχαριστώ για τη συμβουλή'.
Expressions liées
δίνω μια συμβουλή
similarTo give a piece of advice
ακολουθώ μια συμβουλή
builds onTo follow a piece of advice
ζητάω μια συμβουλή
contrastTo ask for a piece of advice
έχω μια ιδέα
similarI have an idea
κατά τη γνώμη μου
specialized formIn my opinion
